How to Use a Fitness Quest Pilates Reformer

More than 8.5 million Americans exercise using Pilates techniques as of 2009, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. Training at home with the Fitness Quest Pilates reformer adds incline options not available with a classic reformer manufactured to meet Joseph Pilates' original specifications. Try these five classic Pilates exercises using the incline option, which highlights movement in multiple planes, one of the main components of Pilates exercise, according to the American Council on Exercise.

Instructions

    • 1

      Set up for your upper-body exercises by placing the glideboard into position C. The glideboard will now be at an incline. Sit cross-legged on the machine facing the footbar. Attach two of the tension cords.

    • 2

      Perform hug a tree. Grasp the strap handles and make a circle with your arms in front of you. Keep your neck and shoulders relaxed as you open your arms at the shoulder joint. Close your shoulder joint, touching your fingertips together in front of you. Maintain the bend in your elbow throughout the movement. Repeat this movement 10 times.

    • 3

      Perform shaving. Keeping your spine straight, lean forward 30 degrees at your hip joint. Grasp the strap handles and place your hands behind your head, with your fingertips touching. Allow your elbows to pop out wide in this start position. Extend your arms forward while keeping your fingertips touching. Do not bounce your torso; move only your arms. Repeat this exercise 10 times.

    • 4

      Perform boxing. Sit upright holding the handles at your armpits, with your palms facing down. Punch one arm forward and return. Repeat using the other arm. Do not twist your torso; move only your arms. Repeat this pattern 10 times.

    • 5

      Perform offering. Sit upright holding the handles by your hips. Float your straight arms forward until your hands are at shoulder height. Circle your arms out to the side and return to your start position. Repeat this movement five times.

    • 6

      Perform biceps curls. Sit upright holding the handles behind your hips by about 12 inches. Allow your palms to face inward. Notice that your elbows are not touching your torso; keep them lifted back and away from your body during the movement. Bend both elbows to perform a biceps curl. Squeeze the muscle as you extend your arm straight back into its start position. Repeat this exercise 10 times.